JLPT N4 grammar
尊敬語 (sonkeigo) — Meaning & Examples
Respectful language — elevates the actions of superiors. お読みになる = (teacher) reads.
Sonkeigo — Respectful Language
Used when talking ABOUT a superior's actions (boss, customer, teacher).
Pattern 1: お + verb stem + になる
せんせいがお読みになりました。 — The teacher read it.
お客さまがお帰りになりました。 — The customer left.
Special respectful verbs (must memorise):
いる → いらっしゃる (to be)
いく → いらっしゃる (to go)
くる → いらっしゃる (to come)
たべる → 召し上がる/めしあがる (to eat)
のむ → 召し上がる (to drink)
みる → ごらんになる (to see/look)
いう → おっしゃる (to say)
する → なさる (to do)
しる → ごぞんじですか (to know)
Practice questions
Try this question on 尊敬語 (sonkeigo). Pick an answer in your head, then open “Show answer”.
1. What is sonkeigo used for?
- Lowering your actions
- Written Japanese
- Casual speech
- Elevating others' actions
Show answer
Answer: Elevating others' actions
Sonkeigo (尊敬語) elevates the actions of superiors — boss, customer, teacher.
Practise 尊敬語 (sonkeigo) in the free app
This point is part of the “Keigo — Polite & Humble Speech” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N4 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N4 grammar points
From the same lesson: Keigo — Polite & Humble Speech
Frequently asked questions
What does 尊敬語 (sonkeigo) mean?
Respectful language — elevates the actions of superiors. お読みになる = (teacher) reads.
Is 尊敬語 (sonkeigo) on the JLPT N4 test?
尊敬語 (sonkeigo) is taught in the JLPT N4 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “Keigo — Polite & Humble Speech”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise 尊敬語 (sonkeigo)?
Open the “Keigo — Polite & Humble Speech” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N4 mock exams, with no ads.